I met all the perfect people

In the 5 years and 1 month that I have been in volunteer public leadership; I have met all the perfect people.  They are the most perfect people; never making mistake, never speaking out of turn, never doing anything wrong.   They are so perfect their poo must have sparkles.   They are just perfect spectacular.  

Can you believe this?  Me either, but it is true, just ask them.  

They are experts, absolute experts, at everything.  Their talents are so mind blowing that they do not even have to use their talents things just naturally happen - I wish.  

They are so good at every single thing that they make anyone else look like total complete failures.  Believe me they tell everyone that. 

They have this unique way of describing everyone else on social media - everyone else, meaning anyone serving them, as the scum on the bottom of a 50 year old farm pond.  

They were born geniuses in every single field on every single subject.  They do not even have to research anything or gather facts - it just flows out of their perfect brain and out to the public. 

Public Leadership - especially unpaid leadership is exhausting and draining.  I use to say paid public leadership was the same, but at least they are earning a pay check for the abuse, but volunteers they sign up to do this for free.  (palm to face) 

When I first started this journey of public volunteer leadership I was a lot nicer of a person, but then I met all the perfect people and I realized how worthless I am.  

Be kind to those who serve you for FREE they are the reason the world goes around.  

Facebook Warriors

 In the middle of the day yesterday, after listening to the pastor preach about reaching people through social media - I decided there is a percentage of people on social media that will never be reached. The rude percentage.  

This is not one of my better post, this is raw, uncut footage of my brain.  The lack of ability to cover it all up has slipped away.  

People annoy me, not all people, but the ones that find it easier to be rude than to be real. 

This week there was a post on our city page regarding snow and slick streets, but some Facebook warrior jumped on and began cussing MODOT the state roads department. There is a large difference between the state and our tiny town, but just the same they felt the city page is where everyone should know how they felt about the state workers.  

Same day different location, there was a claim that county was to blame for the snow causing the streets and state highways to be slick.  Like what is the county going to do? Take their 3 road graders and clear the county roads so everyone can detour down the gravel roads for the 1 hour inconvenience of slippery roads.  

Then today, the breaking point hit, “why aren’t the Christmas decorations down in town?” The question alone wasn’t that bad, but the comments of saying we were lazy, slow, ect pushed me to the edge. And then someone defended the ridiculous comments.  Like really? People can call you names or describe you as lazy, but you can’t respond.  Really? 

Years ago I learned the word “door warriors” they are people who don’t actually contribute to anything, but just stand behind the door and criticize and call names. 

Door warriors have a whole new meaning with Facebook Warriors.  People who never show up, rarely contribute, make very little investment, but stand behind their keyboard and scream how bad those who are working are.  

You can say “turn the other cheek” “don’t worry about them” but we are all human and the constant criticism is exhausting.  

Greatest Mission Field Ever

 Last night as I rode the spin bike at the gym I listened to Slightly Offensive's podcast regarding the Capitol intrusion on the 6th.  (https://youtu.be/fpNHAuw-K_k) Some parts of the broadcast I agreed with some I disagreed.  

People I personally know say Antifa was on the grounds - Elijah Schaffer says it was just a bunch of high emotions and hyped-up young men.

Regardless who it was, the last 5 minutes of his video gets very real, he talks about where we are as a nation – there have been one too many threats of Civil War – what the 6th did was just make American’s madder.

Some were so appalled they intruded the Capitol (apparently it is sacred), some were appalled that they were able to intrude the Capitol (apparently it should secure), and some are appalled that right leaners would even protest let alone charge the Capitol.

There are so many questions, but there is a lot to be learned from this.

1. We have a president in office and a president coming into office that no one really wants.  Most of us didn’t support Trump his first run (don’t lie – be truthful – I will -  I voted for Ben Carson and would do it again).  Joe Biden did not have the backing of his own party until like June or July of 2020 – the election was November.   We as a nation were voting for the person we hated less.  We have been doing that for years.  We do that every election on every level.  This should scare the (insert your choice word) out of us.  This should not be normal.

2. We are post 9/11, nearly 20 years post 9/11, how in the world did a bunch of unarmed “patriots” take the Capitol Building while armed police officers stood there?  Why were there cheap flimsy barricades when DC was expecting 1 million what many of them refer to as deplorable rebels?  I mean really? I would have thought you could get to Fort Knox easier than the Capitol building on January 6th that was supposed to be such an important day in history.

3. How far are we going to push the American people?   How far is Bill de Blasio, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Nancy Pelosi, AOC (which I had to google in early 2020 to even know who that was), and the other elitist going to push the working-class Americans?   How much or how little are we going to allow the media and big tech to manipulate us?

The frontline journalist, the ones capturing the footage that CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX uses to twist their story, are saying we are on the brink of a revolution or civil war. Americans are to the point of SNAPPING.  THIS should scare every single American and January 6th should be a wake up to our government leaders, this can happen and this is not far from happening.

We as American Christians need to put our differences aside and start praying – really praying – not just praying on Sunday morning led by the pastor.  We need to fall to our knees (or like me run hard) and cry out to God to lead us.  Forget mercy, forget begging for blessings, BEG for God to lead us.  Beg for him to lead all people.  Beg for hearts to be softened and turned over to God.

Christians - we NEED to reach our people.  We need to do more than call for peace on social media, we need get off our butts and work for peace.   We need to get out of comfort zones and leave the “issues” and politics behind and build peace.   Planting lettuce is peaceful (read next week's Banner Press for more details).

Our government leaders on EVERY SINGLE LEVEL need to turn their chair over to God.   They cannot run this country without him.   He will rule with or without them. He will rule and rebuild after they destroy.  If you are in leadership, take the easy way out, and humble yourself to God.  Beg him to lead you so you can lead others.

We need to STOP counting Covid deaths and START counting the TRUE Causality those that died that we did not have the chance to share the LOVE of Jesus with.  Those that did not see the amazing love of Christ.   We need to count the number of people that will not be in heaven with us.  Think about that.  Your neighbor, your brother, your mother, your child may not be in heaven because you did not do what God calls you to do.  Let that causality sink in.  Your neighbor, your brother, your mother, your child may burn in hell because you did not do what Christ calls you to do.

We need to pray for revolution, not a revolution of our Government, but a revolution against sin.  We need to pray God storms not only our Capitol Building, the White House, but the streets of every town across this great nation and hearts are changed.

Christians – this is not the end – Churches this is not the end – this is the Greatest Mission Field ever and he is calling you.

(note the photo is a photo from 8/7/2016 when OUR community wrapped Woodland School in prayer.  To my knowledge this is the last time this many Christians and Churches came together in our community - we need to change that- change starts at home.)

Mask Mandate Us, Quarantine Us, Social Distance Us!

Here is the world we are living in.  

I got a call from a friend the other day, their supervisor informed their office that if they were in a group of 10 or more they would be required to quarantine to stop the spread of Covid. 

So basically the tax funded agency  

they work for is saying; 

Oh you believe in Jesus and go to an active in service church? You may not go or you will be required to quarantine.  

Your kid plays ball.  Shucks watch it online or you will be required to quarantine.  

Your loved one died.  That stinks.  You can’t go the funeral or you would be required to quarantine.  

Your family drove half way across the state to see you?  Too bad, if there is 10 or more people may not go to see your family or you will be required to quarantine. 

You must go to big box stores, because the small stores will have 10 or more people too close together!  So may be required to quarantine if you shop there.  

Forget dining out unless you book the whole place to yourself and only let 9 people and the wait staff in or you may be required to quarantine.  

We keep hearing how awful it is that our Governor is not going to require a mask mandate or vaccine requirement.  

Honestly, I don’t think he will have to.  He will just let every tax funded entity make their own rules and require what they want to make other’s lives a living hell.  

The Selfishness of the Pandemic

 I saw this meme floating around social media a few weeks back.  A woman had posted “this spoke to me”...

The meme is true, some of the best teachers were virtual.  However, this does not make the case for online learning.

Until the pandemic I never realized how selfish some people really are.  They think they are making their case and maybe they are, but they are not making the case for everyone.  

Virtual learning might work for some, but a majority it does not, so don’t be a jerk and preach why we should all go virtual. 

Virtual learning causes an unnecessary hardship for lower income parents.  Sure it’s easy to hire a babysitter and tutor when you make a six digit salary, but six digit salaries are not made by the working class.  I have heard the cries of the CNA’s, ya know the ones who are feeding your grandma and grandpa, as they juggle their kids “virtual” school, bounce their kids from multiple sitters, and try like hell to not make you mad with their frustrations of school not being open.  

Virtual learning causes an unnecessary struggles for kids with special learning needs.  Sure your kid can learn multiplication from The Magic School Bus while you cut star shaped cookies and let them figure how many points you created.  However your neighbor down the street has an extra chromosome and needs their specially trained teacher to help them learn to tie their shoe daily.  Their mom really tries to fill the void, manage the Google hangout, somehow keep her boss off her back as she is now working from home, and not make you mad by venting her frustrations.  

Not everyone can afford to “self-isolate”...Oh you want the kids to quarantine so you can get a day off.  That’s special, but did you call the small business owner to see how they felt about it?  You know the one who’s business name is on your kids soccer shirt?  Sure it might be fun to take an extra day off, go hunting as self-isolation, or catch up on your soaps, but your local market owner is praying nonstop they can just keep the doors open and make a little money.  They don’t need a day off.  They can’t afford to take a day off. 

We are all not the same.  We all can’t handle this “pandemic” the same.  So don’t be a jerk and share the meme’s to prove your point, because your point is not everyone’s point. 

Jesus is our Savior

Regardless of where we live or who our leaders are, we are subject to one of two kingdoms: God’s Kingdom and Satan’s Kingdom.  

Even in China there are Christians.  Think about that.  Even in China where people are living under communism the Christian Faith is growing.  

Jesus is King over all mankind, and he is represented on earth by those who love him. 

As we Christians we must keep in mind that our allegiance is not to a political party or a particular leader, but to the King of Kings.

Regardless who our leader is, we must depend on God for our ultimate leadership.  We cannot allow who is president of the United States dictate what we do and how we believe.  

As we approach the holiday season, instead of dread what is looming in January, I beg to spread the joy of Jesus to all around.  

Instead of clicking to ship, visit your local stores and talk to the owners, they also are feeling weariness of this all.  

Instead of mailing your Christmas Cards; hand deliver them and remind your neighbors that you love them.  

Instead of purchasing pre-signed cards; write a note of love and hope so they know you care more than printed ink.  

Instead of buying the next big electronic; buy hours of quality time to generate life in our weary souls.  

President Trump and Vice President Biden are not our Saviors; Jesus is our Savior and let’s practice that belief this holiday season.  

“For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.” Psalms‬ ‭22:28‬ ‭‬‬

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭‬‬

(Photo Credit: not really sure; these are old photos I have collected of Bollinger County, Missouri.)

My Dad, My Veteran

This morning as I headed out with my husband to hang the flags at the Bollinger County Veterans Memorial, I thought about just how precious each of those names etched on the large piece of granite are. 

My Dad is an Army Veteran, unlike many of my friends, I was not around when my dad was active duty.   I never knew the feeling of my dad leaving and not knowing when he would return.  

When I was about 16 years old, I realized that even though I was not what they call an "Army Brat" the years my dad served were very important and it was then that he became that Veteran that I cherish and love.

Now twenty years later Veterans Day is one of my favorite holidays. Not because I get a day off from work, but it is a day for me to reflect and think about those Army stories that my dad would share over the dinner table when I was just a child.  

If you know my dad, you know he is a world class story teller, he can capture your attention in a matter of seconds and hold you until the very last word; not to mention he has a great voice.

When I was a child dinner time was important at our house, something major had to happen for one person not be around the dinner table, Dad was insistent on this. 

Around that kitchen table was where I learned of my Dad's military background, while he often joked that he just guarded a trash can and a light pole, there was more to the story.

He would reminiscence of those long nights away from Bollinger County, he defeated the biggest battle, the battle of being jerked away from our small community and his family, shipped to a foreign land just months after he graduated high school.  My dad like many others his age was drafted during one of the scariest times we had ever faced, the Vietnam War. 

Dad was stationed in Germany, that is where he learned a few German commands that he would often bark at the dinner table to make us laugh.  I have also seen a few pictures of him while he was in Germany, he looked much different back then.  

In more recent years, I learned that my dad went through Basic Training with several Bollinger County Men ,  he refers to them as the "Big Five".  He once admitted to me the anxiety he would feel in training when someone he knew would have to take their turn on the obstacle course, he was always afraid that one of his buddies would not make it, but they always did.  

Somewhere in the middle of those stories my Dad became one of my Hero's and it is an honor to say my dad is a Veteran. 

Today it makes my heart so full to watch him and his local VFW buddies perform Graveside Services, be present at local events, and listen to them laugh over their days in service, they have great fun sharing and remembering. 

Rather your Veteran fought the greatest battle or just guarded a trash can; they served, they worked, and they protected us!   

Honor our Veterans, hold them close to us, and remember who they are!

God Bless our Veterans, God Bless our Military, God Bless the USA! 

( This is a copy of my column from this weeks The Banner Press, please support our local paper.)